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Aloe vera is one of the most versatile plant-based ingredient on the market. It has an uncountable amount of uses, treating everything from sunburn to dandruff, arthritis to digestive problems. It's also good as a moisturiser for hair and for face, and soothing skin after shaving or after waxing. It's truly one of those miracle cure-all plants that we could all benefit from incorporating into our routines. Like with any ingredient, Nussbaum notes that it's possible to have an allergic reaction to aloe vera, so if you've never used it before, she recommends spot-testing your formula of choice before spreading it all over. Aloe vera juice first and foremost contains antioxidants, or substances that help reduce your chances of developing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. But aloe vera juice offers benefits beyond just prevention. A low-calorie, low-sugar option
While considered safe in topical form when used as directed, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate aloe vera products. This means that it’s up to you, the consumer, to use aloe vera safely and to report any adverse skin reactions to your doctor.
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Side effects. Topical aloe vera might irritate your skin. Oral aloe vera, which has a laxative effect, can cause cramping and diarrhea. This may cause electrolyte imbalances in the blood of people who ingest aloe vera for more than a few days. It can also stain the colon, making it hard to get a good look at the colon during a colonoscopy. So avoid it for a month before having a colonoscopy. Aloe vera gel, for topical or oral use, should be free of aloin, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Still, most dermatologists agree that the aloe vera’s properties are very promising, especially when applied topically as skin care. How to choose the best aloe vera gel According to dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD, aloe vera helps to soothe irritation, prevent trans-epidermal water loss, cool and hydrate sunburned skin, and even promote the healing of breakouts thanks to the natural amount of salicylic acid it contains. "Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, so it has all these calming, great properties," she says. "Additionally, it has vitamins A, C, D, and E, and it also has minerals, including zinc, potassium, and magnesium, so it is this rich gel or extract that can be used for a variety of things."
Key considerations
Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments. Fragrance: Aloe vera gel has no strong odor of its own and is best without any added chemical fragrances. However, there are products with added essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, citrus, or jasmine that provide fragrance and additional skin-soothing benefits. As with eczema, aloe vera may help alleviate inflammation and itchiness from psoriasis. For best results, apply aloe vera gel twice daily to the affected area of skin. 10. Inflammatory acne